University of New England Celebrates New Campus in Morocco

US Ambassador to Morocco Dwight L. Bush, Sr. and Maine Governor Paul LePage attended the dedication ceremony at UNE's new Tangier Campus. The campus reflects UNE’s commitment to advance the internationalization of higher education and create truly global citizens, and is the only American higher education institution in Morocco.

UNE Tangier students, faculty and staff before the dedication ceremony

At an event attended by nearly 200 individuals from the United States and Morocco, UNE celebrated its achievements during an hour-long ceremony in its pristine academic facility. The ceremony included remarks from Ambassador Bush, Gov. LePage, UNE President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., UNE Vice President for Global Affairs Anouar Majid, Ph.D. and UNE Board of Trustees Chairman Mark Doiron.

Gov. LePage spoke frankly about the beauty of Morocco and detailed his experiences touring Tangier’s winding medina and the bustling Renault factory. LePage also urged the inaugural class before him to take their seasoned, well-rounded minds from abroad back home. “We need you at home!” joked LePage.

Ripich praised the “visionaries” of the UNE Board of Trustees and the 10-year “Vision 2017” strategic plan and their courageous decision to build a campus in the Arab world as well as the passion of Majid. Her highest praise, however, was reserved for the bravery of the first group of UNE Tangier students.

“Our students are also the pioneers embracing their Morocco immersion. From bartering in the markets to debating politics in the cafes to juggling academic classes and labs …these experiences have collectively helped change and define them, and I have no doubt will also help them change the world,” said Ripich.

Guests were treated to a 10-minute video entitled “The Road to Morocco” detailing the story of Majid and the building of the campus in Tangier, a UNE Tangier “Happy” video and a traditional Moroccan storytelling session known as a “hilqa” led by UNE Tangier students.

The University of New England is an innovative health sciences university grounded in the liberal arts, with two distinctive coastal Maine campuses and a vibrant new campus in Tangier, Morocco. UNE has internationally recognized scholars in the sciences, health, medicine and humanities; offers more than 40 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs; and is home to Maine’s only medical and dental schools. It is one of a handful of private universities with a comprehensive health education mission including medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, nursing and an array of allied health professions. UNE's interprofessional education initiatives prepare future healthcare professionals to practice comprehensive and collaborative team-based care. Both graduate and undergraduate students engage in research and scholarship alongside dedicated faculty who are committed to their academic and professional success.